Planes, birds, microscopes, and DNA
Smithsonian scientists do more than investigate bird-aircraft collisions - they push the limits of bird identification
Published:
February 20, 2009
| Wildlife biologist Jennifer A. Lynch describes how Carla Dove, head of the aviation bird-strike team, and other scientists at the Smithsonian Institution's Feather Identification Lab at the National Museum of Natural History identify birds that are struck by civilian and military aircraft. The researchers compare bird remains against specimens in the museum's collection, examine feather fragments by microscope, and employ DNA barcoding techniques. According to the National Wildlife Strike Database, U.S. civilian aircraft strike birds 35,000 times a year. |
You are currently not logged in. This article is only available to Birder's World magazine subscribers.
Already a subscriber to Birder's World magazine?
If you are already a subscriber to Birder's World magazine you must log into your account to view this article.
If you do not have an account you will need to register for one. Registration is FREE and
only takes a couple minutes.
Non-subscribers, Subscribe TODAY and save!
|
SUBSCRIBE TODAY and get 6 issues PLUS these great online benefits:
-
Birding hotspots
Search for great birding destinations
-
Birding experts
Read information from the best-known, most respected names in birding - Kenn Kaufman, David Allen Sibley, Pete Dunne,
Eldon Greij, Paul Kerlinger, Julie Craves and more - all in one place!
-
Article archives
Browse our collection of articles about great birding destinations.
-
Subscribers and registered users can also:
View photos in the gallery, add comment, or post their own photos; search the calendar of events;
comment on what they read in the editors' blog; participate in the forums; view the Photo of the Week or submit their
own photo for review by the editors; download desktop wallpaper; receive the e-mail newsletter; and manage their accounts online.
|